1. Productivity and technology transfer (client satisfaction)

The Australian marine industries, the public and Federal and State Governments require an increasing range of scientific knowledge and technical sophistication to use marine resources in an ecologically sustainable way. In order to ensure a high degree of satisfaction among all its clients AIMS encourages a high level of scientific productivity, technology transfer and community involvement and uses a range of indicators, as outlined below, with which to monitor progress.

Scientific publications (Indicator 2, Resource Agreement, Appendix 5)

• Peer reviewed scientific journal articles - 76
• Conference proceedings - 35
• Client reports - 25
• Technical reports - 5
• Monographs - 1

The Institute's research findings were transferred to industry in the following ways:

• AIMS video analysis techniques were used in consultancies for the oil and gas industry.
• Data from the Long-term Monitoring project is being used by several agencies in the assessment of 'representative areas' for the Great Barrier Reef region.
• The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) adopted database protocols and standards developed by AIMS for use in its Long-term Monitoring project.
• Big Bank Shoals of the Timor Sea: An Environmental Resource Atlas was developed for BHP Petroleum Pty Ltd. Information contained in the Atlas is based on video analysis methodologies pioneered by AIMS.
• An educational video on the use of computers for understanding complex tropical marine systems was produced for dissemination to schools with the support of IBM Australia Ltd and United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
• The Hydrographic Office of the Royal Australian Navy has utilised data from the Institute's Remote Sensing Facility to determine suitable locations for the deployment of its Laser Airborne Depth Sensor (LADS) in Torres Strait.

• A new gamma counting chamber, which was designed and constructed by AIMS, is being used extensively by Australian environmental radiochemical laboratories.
• Prototype underwater computers were developed for use by the Royal Australian Navy.
• The Thailand Pollution Control Department purchased computer modelling technologies from the Institute for oil spill simulations.

The Institute's research outputs have relevance and use for a number of users, from both publicly- and privately-funded organisations. AIMS seeks to establish links across the broad range of stakeholders and to build on good client relations by being accessible, responsive and timely. The Institute measures its effectiveness in this objective through the establishment of an expanding client base, increased external earnings and satisfaction that our products are used, useful and dependable.

External Earnings (Indicator 5, Resource Agreement, Appendix 5)

During the year AIMS exceeded its external earnings target of 20% of total budget. External funds of $5,493,517 (25% of total income) were obtained to undertake 111 projects. This represented a 7.9% increase in external funding over the previous year. The pattern of change in external funding over the past four years is shown in the figures below.

Fifty-three externally-funded projects, totalling $2,994,744, were approved during the year. Approximately 66.7% ($1,996,524) of the total amount was contributed through only eight research projects. The average monetary size of new projects is $57,591. Thirty-four of the thirty-nine projects due for completion during the year were completed.

The Australian National Audit Office conducted a follow up audit of the performance of the Institute's systems for managing external funds and found that all recommendations of the 1992 audit had been implemented or that systems were in place for implementation.

Community involvement

• Number of guided tours during the year - 89
• Community interest in the 1997 Open Day - over 6,000 visitors

During the reporting year the Institute entered into a number of new contracts. Of all contracts (>$5000 in value) due for completion during the year, more than 84% were successfully fulfilled. The remainder will be completed during the 1997-98 financial year.

• Number of contracts successfully completed - 32

The impact of the Institute and its research products in the national and global context is measured by the recognition of others. Acknowledgment of the Institute and the excellence of its staff may be through the presentation of awards or prizes.

Distinguished awards

• Dr. John (Charlie) Veron was awarded the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA) Jubilee Award for outstanding achievement in marine science.

• Dr Eric Wolanski and his project team won the 1996 Queensland Information Technology and Telecommunications Award for pioneering a computer simulation model of coastal processes.

4. Working environment

The Institute seeks to maintain a safe and healthy working environment that encourages high levels of productivity and creativity amongst its staff. Its working environment is innovative and creative, and characterised by participative management, growth in funding and staff commitment.

• The large number of staff who provided voluntary time to host the Open Day (more than 100) demonstrated the high level of commitment by AIMS staff.
• The Institute continues to prepare a large number of peer-reviewed, scientific publications and makes many presentations to their peers, industry and student forums.
• Two new patents were deeded during the year.
• New technologies were developed in a number of areas. These include: laser technology that was utilised to monitor growth in corals; coral technology for biomedical applications; and modification of radiometer technology to allow automated measurement of sea surface temperature.
• Measures to ensure continuous improvement of health and safety in the workplace were further advanced through the introduction of induction procedures for all staff and visitors.
• Measures to improve management systems and procedures were further advanced during the year. A report by the ANAO (The Auditor-General Performance Audit, Audit Report No. 38, 1995-96) found that 'AIMS has, and is continuing to develop and formalise a comprehensive management, monitoring and evaluation system based upon internal and external reviews'.
• New finance and human resource management information systems were implemented during the year.

An effective relationship with users of research outputs is a high priority of the Institute. This includes coordination of research through collaboration and research networks, and linkages with decision-making and educational bodies which facilitate the flow-on of knowledge.

Collaborations

• Number of national collaborations - 100
• Number of international collaborations - 62
• Number of countries in which collaborations have been established - 25
• Cooperative Research Centres - 3

AIMS made several submissions to the review of Australia's science and technology arrangements conducted by Professor Stocker. The report Priority Matters details the findings of the review.

The Institute provided input to parliamentary inquiries into marine pollution and fisheries management and was represented on a number of expert committees that are assisting the Government in the development of policy (e.g. Marine Science and Technology Plan, Oceans Policy).

Advice

The Institute provided formal advice through representation on numerous expert committees, e.g. Dugong Scientific Working Group, Milner Bay Scientific Advisory Group, Reef Line Fishery Management Advisory Committee (REEFMAC), the South East Fishery Total Allowable Catch Committee and the Task Force for Marine Protected Areas.

On numerous occasions AIMS provided comments to government on substantial national issues, for example, the definition of boundaries for dugong protected areas.

Contribution to Australia's research future through teaching and training
(Indicator 4, Resource Agreement, Appendix 5)

In collaboration with several Australian universities, Institute staff jointly supervised postgraduate students and AIMS scientists presented lectures and seminars to students.

• Number of postgraduate students supervised by AIMS - 26
• Number of postdoctoral positions appointed to AIMS - 5
• Number of conjoint teaching positions undertaken with universities - 5

AIMS scientists made 127 public presentations of their work during the reporting period.